MERCED, Calif. — The program-record unbeaten streak for the Cal State Monterey Bay women's soccer team came to a heartbreaking conclusion Sunday afternoon as the Otters fell 1-0 in overtime to UC Merced in the quarterfinals of the CCAA Tournament at Bobcat Field.
The fifth-seeded Otters (8-3-7) battled fourth-seeded UC Merced through 90 scoreless minutes before the Bobcats found the game-winner just 3:03 into overtime, ending Monterey Bay's program-record 11-match unbeaten streak.
Goalkeeper
Willow Baltazar delivered another outstanding performance for the Otters, recording a season-high nine saves to keep Monterey Bay in contention throughout the afternoon. Baltazar made seven stops in the opening half and added two more after halftime as the CSUMB defense held UC Merced scoreless through regulation.
The Otters generated several opportunities of their own, with
Juliana Dow leading the attack with three shots.
Ariana Chisteckoff added two attempts, while
Naomi Tobias and
Bailey Rozier each put a shot on goal.
Monterey Bay finished with seven shots, including four on target, while UC Merced recorded 19 attempts and 10 shots on goal.
Despite the finish, the Otters put together one of the most successful seasons in program history. CSUMB matched its NCAA Division II-era single-season record with eight victories, equaling the mark established in 2012.
The Otters also enjoyed a program-record 11-match unbeaten streak (6-0-5), highlighted by seven shutouts and a strong defensive effort throughout CCAA play. Monterey Bay finished the regular season with just two losses and secured a return to the conference postseason tournament.
Offensively, Dow led the Otters with 11 goals and 26 points, finishing among the CCAA's top offensive performers. Baltazar anchored the defense with eight regular-season shutouts, while the veteran leadership of
Jordan Sawyer,
Jada Hardwick and
Bailey Rozier helped establish one of the conference's most consistent defensive units.
